=General Interview Questions=

So, tell me something about yourself?

Hint: remember, this question is totally job-related. It is designed for the
interviewer to hear you talk and see how you express yourself. Don't talk long about your marital status,
your hobbies or go through your whole resume. Instead, you need to summarize your response and talk
about key accomplishments in your career: "These are the things I am good at ..., these are the things
I can do for the company ...". You can briefly show your professional identity, and what you are looking for (professionally).

Name 3 positive and 3 negative qualities of yours.

Hint: Positive qualities- get along with people, high motivation
to learn, never give up facing a problem , being responsible.
Negative: you may want to try to mention weeknesses that could be beneficial for employer,
like being perfectionist, or workaholic

Where do you see yourself professionally, in 3-5 years?

Hint: some people talk about their professional development.
You can tell about classes you are thinking to take or explore any particular areas
in the professional environment.

What is the most exciting and boring part of your job?Hint: there are no 100% exciting jobs. Every job has it's boring
part.

Do you prefer team work or individual?

Hint: be carefull. If you say "individual" - it may sound like you are
not a team player, if you say you prefer team work - it means you can't
work alone.

What is the most significant responsibility you have ever had in your life?Peter M. said he was asked this question on his interview recently.

Hint: you need to bring up an example from your life.
The interviewr is basically trying to understand if you are on the same ground
and share same values.

You are assigned to work on important project containing 7 design
modules and you are short of time.
By the end of the month all you can do is either to have 3 modules
accomplished or to have all 7 modules started in parallel but not finished.
What strategy will you choose?

Hint: you definitely want to have at least part of your
work finished.You can demonstrate it, explain your problems and ask some
more time to complete the project.

Why do you want to leave your present job?

Hint: do not blame your company, your
job, a manager. The interviewer may think you are not getting along with your supervisor or coworkers.
In this case you are not someone they would want to hire.
Instead, you can say it is a time for you to move on, try yourself
in the new area.

This and the next question was received from Wayne. Your comments are welcome.

How to answer a question regarding solving a
problem in which there appeared to be no answer?

Your comments are welcome.

What particularly would you like to work on?

Hint: some people say:"What ever you want me to do!"
In most cases this answer will not be appreciated, especially at start up companies.
It may sound like you have no any other interest in this job but money.

Tell us about one of the technical problems you had
to solve recently

Bill Benson, technical recruter from Silicon Valley, says
this question is quite frequent on interviews. Hint: don't miss this chance!
Tell the interviewer how good you are in solving technical problems.

What is the earth?

Hint: sometimes people ask strange questions to see your reaction. Just stay cool and bring your sense of humor.
A friend of mine who really likes talking answered to the above question: "How much time do you have?"

Tell me about a conflict you encountered and how you handled it.

HINT : This is one of the toughest interview questions of all. It's sort of a trick question, as a matter of fact. Never speak
negatively about anyone. The ability to successfully resolve conflicts is important for all members of a team. It may be the
most important factor if you're working in a service environment, such as a large consulting firm that deals with outside
clients. The answer you give here could go a long way toward getting you a job offer. Managers want to see that you are
mature and unselfish. The answer should involve proof of your maturity level. They are looking for your ability to handle
conflict. Compromise and working it out without external intervention are the keys. A disgruntled person is not going to be
productive, and tends to bring down coworkers' morale as well.

What changes have you made in your life that you are most proud of?

HINT : This tells the manager more about your ability to take control of your life. It illustrates your leadership potential, and
suggests just how promotable you might be. After all, if he produces a star, he looks good.

How do you manage stress of your work?

Hint: your version?

Did you have to work together with people with mean attitude?

Hint: You need to demonstrate you can avoid conflicts, ballance relationships, work with different types of people

What are your salary requirements?

HINT : The use of the word "offer" is critical. It's a subliminal message that an actual job offer is what you are discussing, not
just your salary needs in general.
Possible answer : "Salary is not my primary consideration. Of course, I have to pay the bills. I'd be open to any reasonable offer." Pause and
maintain direct eye contact, even if it seems like forever. Do not be the first one to flinch. Do not over-talk. Be prepared for a
long silence. Let the manager be the first to present a figure. It will give you power and control.
If forced to give a specific number, never give a broad range -- you will usually be offered the low end. Instead, be as precise
as possible: "I'd be open to something in the mid-hundred-nineties." Giving such a specific
number presumes you've researched the local job market and know what people with your skills are making.

Are you interviewing at any other companies?

HINT : You want the manager to know that you're extremely interested in his opportunity, but are keeping your options open.
Possible answer : "Yes, Mr/Mrs. X, but at this point your company is my first choice."

Remember, all of these interview questions have more than one appropriate answer. If you are feeling nervous about an
upcoming interview, keep in mind that the hiring manager gets just as excited about a potentially strong candidate as the
candidate does about him or her. Strong, qualified, motivated technical people are very hard to find. Be direct, but think
before you speak, and you will surely get an offer.

A hiring manager gives you the list of values he wants his staff to have and askes if you agree/disagree:

Exhibiting good preparation, planning, execution and independently
take responsibility to find the best solution.

Being persistent, consistent, ethical and trustworthy.

Being able to sell your ideas and clearly report progress (verbal/reports/presentations).